Peak Rail inaugurated two-train working on Saturday, 3-Mar-2007 during their Mixed Traffic Weekend.
Jan was the driver of the steam-hauled passenger services using 'Austerity' tank locomotive 'Royal Pioneer'. Alternate passenger services were diesel-hauled.
The second train was a demonstration loose-coupled freight, hauled alternately by 'Royal Pioneer' or diesel traction.
The line from Matlock Riverside to Darley Dale forms one single line section, the line from Church Lane to Rowsley forms a second single line section. Trains pass on the double track between Darley Dale and Church Lane which is worked Absolute Block.
The first train of the day, 11:00 from Darley Dale to Matlock Riverside, was double headed by D8 (train engine) and 'Royal Pioneer' (pilot engine). On arrival at Matlock Riverside, 'Royal Pioneer' ran round the train, so that we were 'top and tail', with the steam locomotive leading on the way back. We were held briefly at the approach to Darley Dale, waiting for the demonstration freight to arrive in the Up platform before we could proceed. At present, Down trains are not stopping at Darley Dale. On arrival at Rowsley, the steam locomotive dropped off the train to take water and then stabled in the loop, leaving D8 to take the next Up passenger. The next arrival at Rowsley was the Class 31 with the freight. By this time, I'd been relieved by Gary Dixon, who coupled 'Royal Pioneer' onto the freight for its next run. This allowed me to travel on the brake van of the freight train and take some photographs. This pattern continued through the day until D8 coupled onto the last Southbound passenger at Rowsley with 'Royal Pioneer' as pilot for the short journey back to Darley Dale. Click here for photographs.
On the day, everything worked well and congratulations are due to everybody who worked to achieve this step forward for the railway. Note that, at present, two trains will only operate on certain dates.
